“‘Never mind it now,’ said I, as I stepped cautiously into the room, ‘he’s going to dinner; another time will do just as well.’
“‘Pray come in!’
“‘I could not think of intruding—’
“‘I must protest,’ said M’Manus, coloring up, ‘that I cannot understand this gentleman’s visit.’
“‘It is a little affair I have to settle with him,’ said I, with a fierce look that I saw produced its effect.
“‘Then perhaps you would do me the very great favor to join him at dinner,’ said O’Grady. ‘Any friend of Colonel M’Manus—’
“‘You are really too good,’ said I; ‘but as an utter stranger—’
“‘Never think of that for a moment. My friend’s friend, as the adage says.’
“‘Upon my conscience, a good saying,’ said I, ‘but you see there’s another difficulty. I’ve ordered a chop and potatoes up in No. 5.’
“‘Let that be no obstacle,’ said O’Grady. ‘The waiter shall put it in my bill; if you will only do me the pleasure.’